Collaboration, socialisation and interaction between employees is important in the business world. And there's one thing that every company can use to allow their staff a sense of belonging in the work place: the social club.
Aly McNicoll of the New Zealand Mentoring Centre has said, 'Organisations that choose to organise or promote social clubs are making a gesture in creating an environment where people have a sense of belonging and a friendly place to work." They are also instrumental in increasing connectedness as Aly comments that, "they create more trust and open communication.".
If you're a new hire and wanting to break the ice, there is no easier way than to get acquainted with your colleagues outside of office hours, away from deadlines and instead focused purely on enjoying a fun social activity.
Whether you're in a large business or a smaller start up, it's possible to implement a social club.If you're in a big company, put a committee of staff in charge of scheduling and planning out the events for the year. If you're a smaller business, you can easily put forward ideas to the whole team and arrange for votes on the next activity.
Worried about the cost?
You can pull off a successful social club without hurting your back pocket. One option is deciding on a fee that is automatically removed from your pay check to cover social club activities. You can also have it optional for employees to pay double to bring their partner along to the events. To find out how much you could save your business using n3, click here.
Stuck on ideas?
We've listed a few epic ones to help get you started
1. Gather your work mates to cheer on New Zealand or local teams at sports games
If you're in Auckland:
If you're in Wellington:
If you're in Christchurch:
2. Get in touch with nature on day walks, surf lessons, stand up paddling or kayaking
If you're in Auckland:
Ferry trip and hike up Rangitoto Island
If you're in Wellington:
Kayaking at dusk in the Wellington Harbour
If you're in Christchurch:
3. Keep your taste-buds happy with cooking classes, wine tasting, themed dinners or trying new restaurants around town
If you're in Auckland:
If you're in Wellington:
Crave Catering Cooking Classes
If you're in Christchurch:
4. Boost competitive team spirit with charity fun runs, tenpin bowling, mini golf or trivia nights
If you're in Auckland:
If you're in Wellington:
If you're in Christchurch:
5. Indulge in arts and culture with cinema nights, concerts, theatre or the ballet
If you're in Auckland:
If you're in Wellington:
If you're in Christchurch:
6. Get everyone's heart racing with adrenalin pumping adventures
If you're in Auckland:
If you're in Wellington:
If you're in Christchurch:
We've compiled a list of activities for three main cities, but it's only the beginning.
Most of these and more can be found in your own city or a nearby region of New Zealand. Use this guide as a starting point for brainstorming what you'd like to do with your work social club.
Further Reading:
If you're based in Auckland take a look at our article containing an additional 25 ideas for your team day/outing.
